Shelter Tails: Popular Buddy gets a new home

Buddy, the 2-year-old homeless Plott hound featured in the Record March 28, has found a home with Jane and Mike Haas of Middletown.

Mary Esparra

Buddy, the 2-year-old homeless Plott hound featured in the Record March 28, has found a home with Jane and Mike Haas of Middletown.

"Yikes, probably 70 inquiries by the time all was said and done," said Canine Sanctuary Director Michelle Gorta after Buddy's story ran. "It was a hard choice to make, as there were so many wonderful people."

In the end, the decision was made based on the Haases' excellent vet references.

Buddy is doing great in his new home, and his owners are making adjustments to his large stature.

"Buddy is so big," said Gorta, "he can get his head almost level with the kitchen counter, where he walked in the first day and helped himself to a loaf of bread.

"The Haases' daughter comes over with her beagle and pit bull puppy, and they have played and played, giving Buddy his much-needed exercise."

Buddy will really be going home soon, when he and his family move to a 1-acre fenced-in property in North Carolina, the state where his breed originated.

"I feel like this dog has lived here for five years," said Mike Haas, "he just fit right in."